Doing a low budget (but not low-flying) camping trip to Mapungubwe and KNP in March. My 14-year old son can only think of one profession, and that is to become a PH. Need to teach him that hunting and conservation goes hand-in-hand, and maybe swing him completely over! Hope I can get it right on this trip!

Travelling from Johannesburg to Mapungubwe first. Would like to know which route is the recommended (least hazards, least stressfull, least tiring), Polokwane then Dendron, Alldays, or stay on the N1 up to Musina and then west to Mapubgubwe? I travelled both when visiting the Venetia Mine about 15 years ago, and if memory serves me right there were a few more intereting places to strech legs along the Alldays road (butcheries, farm stalls, etc). Both were very tiring!

Also, is the Tropic of Capricorn sign posted on any of these routes and is it safe to stop there for a photo? This is one of those educational musts for our 14-year old son!

The Dendron-Alldays route is easier and quicker. The part between Polokwane and Dendron is usually quite busy with vehicles on different speeds, so be careful overtaking. After that, it's a breeze. I find the N1 more stressful and filled with more impatient drivers, especially when crossing the Soutpansberg after Louis Trichardt. Having said that, because of the this crossing the N1 is a bit more scenic and it's better for baobab-spotting.

The Tropic of Capricorn is signposted on both roads, on the Dendron-Alldays road in Afrikaans (Steenbokskeerkring?). On the N1 there's a monument or something off the road, but I've never stopped there. It's no problem stopping safely on the Dendron-Alldays road. The people there are a friendly bunch - just watch out for traffic!

We have been using the Polokwane - Alldays rout for years. (Even before the park times) and as long as you do not end up behind a truck that you can't overtake it's fine. The Dendron Musina route are a faviourate of the truckers coming through Beit Bridge and is very worn out by this traffic.

Alldays is easy. You leave Polokwane when you get to the T junction (in Alldays) you turn right, if you are going to the main gate you take the second "Musina" rd to the right. The first takes you to Venetia Mine. But the turn is clearly marked. Then as Peter Pan says straight on to morning (gate in this case) on you left.

Do yourself the favour and don't do the last bite after Alldays at 130km we have found the "gameviewing" along this road very good even spotted a leopard and have had to slow down for Kudu and warthog in the road.

When in Alldays and you have small children in the car stop are the Curio shop (t junction right first left on the left hand side) they sell small wooden animals that my kids love to play with and it "helps" with the build up to the big gameviewing.

Used the Polokwane, Dendron route and all was smooth sailing. From the West rand I guess the Thabazimbi route can save on km's and would also think about going that route if one was to go over Easter Weekend - avoiding all the traffic on the N1. From the "Deep South" where we are travelling from, or even the guys going from East Rand, I would say stick to the Polokwane-Dendron route (unless you are avoiding Moria traffic between Gauteng and Polokwane over Easter Weekend). Have travelled many times between Gauteng and Rooiberg, route over Brits about 10-20 km shorter from where we live than route over Bela-Bela but still prefer the N1 and then over Bela-Bela.

Polokwane, Dendron, Alldays route was greatDone it the other way. From PontdriftOnly a few potholes near Alldays and saw many repairs on the road so hardly any potholes.Only the last 10 k to Polokwane got more hectic with traffic, otherwise a great drive.Went up from Punda , Makhado, Mussina, which was a good drive as well.Mussina is a bit hectic and road from Mussina to Mapungubwe was in a perfect shape and expect for a few lorries hardly any traffic around

In September we will be going on a trip to Botswana and plan to visit Mapungubwe on our way home. What will be the best route to take from Kasana down to Mapungubwe. We will be driving a 4x2 Nissan xtrail.

We have travel through Botswana (travelling from PTA to Katima (via Kasane/Nguma) and also done Mapungubwe with the Nissan X Trail (4 x 2). I cannot comment on a route through Zambia/ZimbabweBut travelleing the main road (Kasane to Nata to Francistown to Palapye to Groblersdrift/Martins - border posts) will not be a problem. It is a tarred road..... mostly tarred - some parts still under construction for many years and somet parts more gravel than tar. But we did not experience serious/deep potholes. You can do this with a sedan as well. Just be mindful, in Dec (2010) we could not get diesel at some places including Kasane. So fill up where you can.

TR: SOUTH KNP TALK SHOW HOSTED BY NATURE - Aug 11TR: Leaves and Grass - and animals too - Apr 12The god Khepri, is associated with the scarab. The ball of dung = the sun. The emergence of baby beetles = spontaneous creation.

stelliegp123 wrote:Doesnt really matter, we have a Conqueror trailer which makes life so easy to camp!

Maybe enter at Punda / Pafuri and travel down the park!? Do you think 10 days are enough time?

Ah yes, your trailer is a lovely way to travel, especially down Kruger. I think 10 days is a comfortable time. It depends on how long you like to set up/stay at a camp, and how many camps you would like to visit.